Jalopnik
Well, you've done it again - voted into the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage another glass-and-steel piece of history which some, but not all, agree would make for a great addition: the Lotus Eleven. Last week saw no progress towards filling the garage due to Geneva Motor Show shenanigans, but that just gave us some extra time to think about what to offer up this week. Sometimes it's hard to be objective when selecting nominees, this week's pick is a personal favorite from a bygone era of high rollers, big egos, and uncompromising style - the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham.
In the postwar era, Cadillac was a dominant force in the world of luxury automobile, outpacing its previous rival, Packard, with styling innovations such as the famous tail fins, as well as myriad luxury options. Cadillac in the 1950s proudly proclaimed its "Standard of the World" slogan. In order to truly own that idea though, Cadillac needed to build something with unsurpassed luxury, besting even its peers from across the pond.
Originally shown as a concept at the 1955 L.A. Auto Show, the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham was put into production in 1957 and was at the time the pinnacle of luxury and innovation. It featured numerous options, some of which are still not available today. The engine was a 365 cubic-inch V8, breathing though twin four-barrel carburetors and running through a 4-speed automatic transmission. The body was long, low and extravagant, with a pillarless four-door design and the rear doors opening suicide style (and you know how much we love suicide doors). At the behest of GM styling guru Harley Earl, the car recived a slick stainless-steel roof and road-adjusting quad headlights for better illumination. The suspension was as advanced as anything GM had in it's arsenal at the time: a centrally controlled, self-leveling and auto-adjusting air suspension which provided an uncompromisingly smooth ride.
Where the Caddy really shimmered was in the amenities. Independent of each other, they seem underwhelming, but that all of the features lived in one car in 1957 is incredible. On the inside, drivers were greeted with power seats that included memory settings, remote-adjustable side mirrors and an auto-adjusting rear-view mirror, an all-transistor automatic-station-seeking radio with twin speakers, all-electric windows, a power locking system, and a power open AND close trunk lid. Now that's just the normal stuff. Here's where things get crazy. The designers also saw fit to throw in a stainless steel drinking set for the glove box, a cigarette dispenser, various vanity elements for the ladies, and a perfume dispenser filled with Arpege Extrait de Lanvin perfume. Say what?!
Of course, anything can be built when money is not option, and here's where the Eldorado Brougham took no prisoners. The base retail price in 1957 was $13,074, exceeding even the most pricey Rolls of the time. Toss that number into the Federal Reserve consumer price index calculator and that tally in 2008 dollars rings the bell at $100,311. Only the Cadillac XLR-V has ever commanded a sum so high, and that Caddy merely goes fast and has a lovely Eucalyptus wood interior. The Brougham was offered for only two years; total production of the princely luxo-yachts was 704 vehicles. After the initial run, production was farmed out to Pininfarina, where a redesign was executed, but the quality in craftsmanship just wasn't the same.
The '57 Eldorado Brougham was probably the finest post-war Cadillac produced to date. Peerless in its design and attention to detail, it was the pinnacle of what an American boulevardier could ever be. Smooth, technically savvy, staggeringly handsome and cranking out as much power as the average Eisenhower Era captain of industry would ever need. It's not difficult to imagine driving this car on a lazy, cross-country summer roadtrip, dusk creeping across the sky, the calm glow of an old dashboard and a crackly radio serving as background noise. Not all of the best driving is done at the limit of grip. [image credits to Eldorado Brougham]
The Jalopnik Fantasy Garage:
1978 Aston Martin V8 Vantage | Honda 1300 Coupe 9 | 1931 Daimler Double Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe | Ferrari 288 GTO | Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 | 1970 Buick GSX 455 | First Generation BMW M Coupe | Bugatti Veyron 16.4 | Ford GT | Citroen SM | Porsche 928 | Jensen FF | DeTomaso Vallelunga | Audi Quattro S1 | Buick GNX | Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R | Honorary Fantasy Garager: The LS1 Powered Rotus | Lamborghini LM002 | Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe | Ferrari 250 GTO | Bentley Speed Six | Talbot-Lago T150C SS Figoni et Falaschi Raindrop/Teardrop Coupe | Porsche 917 | Audi RS4 Avant | Lamborghini Miura | Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 | BMW E39 M5 | Jaguar E-type | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL | Dodge Charger/Challenger R/T | Toyota 2000GT | Facel Vega HK500 | Voisin C28 Aerosport | Bugatti Type 41 Royale | McLaren F1 | Maserati Bora | Continental MK II | Tucker 48 | Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato | BMW 507 | Porsche 959 | 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 Jonckheere Coupe | Land Rover Defender | Lotus Eleven
Comments
Hell, and also Yes.
It's just not my fantasy. It was ahead of its time in some respects, but I don't believe that it deserves this honor.
I voted yes because I like it, but nah.
I vote yes, because this is really the pinnacle of Detroit car-building, back when buying a Cadillac said that you meant business.
That, and it's beautiful, and cars need drinking sets and cigarette dispensers.
After stumping for this baby on a couple occasions, I think you all know my answer. The General would be wise to include suicide rear doors and a stainless roof panel on the on-again, off-again (and with no new Caddy V8 in the pipeline, almost certainly off-for-good) Caddy S Class fighter.
It's no Cimmaron, but...
I'm angry that it doesn't have a 16.
No. The Mark II will suffice in this niche.
Hell yes, but I'll take mine with a Northstar.
I voted yes because it was once an Ontario-plated baby.
[www.eldobrghm.com]
Just for the drinking set alone, yes.
I voted no because, while I greatly appreciate the innovation and style of the Cadillac, I'm leaning toward keeping the garage sporty car and sports car territory.
Anybody who doesn't vote for this is a commie pinko.
@beercheck: If it's any consolation, the '67 Eldo was very nearly offered with a V12 (hence the mile-long hood).
A definite yes. What a ride. The air bag suspension proved troublesome over time, but we can overlook that.
Yes, but this is relatively redundant with the Continental.
Both are great examples of American luxury and should be placed in the lunchroom of their respective manufacturers' design/product development groups.
That, and the drinking set.
Survey says....no.
Just not anything that interests me to own. Interesting? Sure. Cool even? Okay. Would I buy it if I won the lotto? Nope.
Hell yes- I'm a diehard card-carrying Mopar maniac and always will be, and my own personal FG would include a Imperial Crown Ghia limo, but not even Imperial reached this level of pimptasy..
@Tanshanomi: commie pinko here!
this belongs in john gotti's fantasy garage. whatever floats your boat, really. i just cannot fantasize about a car that takes up two parking spaces and probably feels as grounded to drive as a hang glider.
Nothing succeeds like excess. I prefer the factory 365ci 2x4 BBL WCFB's over the Northstar implant. What with the price of gas the way it these days.
Reach in the glove box and set us up some cocktails.
Make mine with the stock 365 ci 2x4BBL WCFB's instead of the Northstar implant. What with the price of gas and all.
Yes! I saw one of these in a classic car lot next to the shop I was waiting at on Sunday on Sunset. I said, "If I had the money, I would buy that Cadillac!" It's stunning in person. And of all the classic Caddies at the lot, it stood out magnificently.
As a side note, standing there for an hour (about 2:30pm - 3:30pm), 10 Bentleys, 5 Lamborghinis, 2 Rolls Royces, 2 Ferraris, a Carrera GT, a Mercedes SLR McLaren, and an Aston-Martin passed by on Sunset. I love LA!
@beercheck: Agreed. In fact, I'm a little angry that this car doesn't have a sixteen liter engine. I'm angry this car doesn't have rocket thrusters. I'm angry this car doesn't shock and amaze and make me feel shame. This car should be able to take a lime from a lemon and a lemon from a lime, to cut the beat in half the time! This entry is like new Detroit - it serves up what I expect, carefully weighed out and judged. My Fantasy Garage should be like Old Detroit - of what this car stands as a reminder. This entry should be a car that tells me what I want, that amazes me in ways that I couldn't comprehend just moments before, a car that had never heard of a minute ago, but now couldn't live without. I like suicide doors, and though I don't need suicide doors that shoot grenades out of them with the push of a button, you get the idea. That and we already have a car that runs over hippies for fun.
Not even the best Cadillac. I vote nay to ye!
Yes. This is one of the greatest achievements in automotive design history.
I question the character of anyone who can't see why this car is the object of fantasy. Seriously. Why are 27% of you so afflicted by bad taste? Your misguided sensibilities have rendered you blind in the presence of the sublime.
"Not all of the best driving is done at the limit of grip." yeah, but for my fantasy garage, it should be!
@13thfloorelevator: It's not just that it has a drinking set, it's that the set contains 6 cups. Drink up!
Yes, because it's the pinnacle of Detroit's golden age and a reminder that we can build them as well as anyone...if we can get past our ADHD long enough to finish screwing them together.
Now get rid of that undeserving Continental -- but first the 928 -- and make room for the king of all American kings, the 16 cylinder Caddy.
Take a letter, Maria.
I voted yes, even though this is one of those fantasy cars you don't drive, but are driven in. Truly, this was the Maybach of its time (but with loads more style than Maybach ever had.)
I recall seeing a History Channel show dedicated to historic Cadillacs. The Eldo Brougham, in addition to the drinking set, had another anachronism: A rear-facing jump seat for Mr. Big Shot's secretary to take dictation of all the important matters of the day.
I'm gonna say yes, eventho I prefer the look of the '59.
Cadillacs of the 50's just scream class and excess. These cars are symbols of everything that made our countries great.
Maybe it is because I am pushing 60 but that is one stunning car. But the guy above has the right idea, it needs some updating. The Northstar is a great engine and the car needs upgraded suspension and some massive disc brakes. Maybe a new steering wheel as wll and some classy bucket seats. THAT would be one helluva car!
Voted no. Unless those missile looking things on the front are missiles. Then yes.
Drinking set and cigarette dispenser = yes.
Of course, if the Yugo GV came with a drinking set and cigarette dispenser, I would also vote that in.
What dagmars!!!
The Dragons vote a big thumbs up. Ok, maybe not the thumbs that are up.
Meh, maybe when I'm older. Like way way older. Like a hundred something. Only fifty spots, I want cars that get me excited not put me to sleep. This thing is a total yawn.
I cannot imagine wanting to drive this when the Continental Mk II is sitting in the garage.
I voted no for the simple fact that the Seville should be the one not the Brougham. The Seville and the Biarritz were the top of the Eldo line
[100megsfree4.com]
Yes. I have always loved these cars, the stainless roof is striking. I have no problem with having this and the Continental in the garage. I think it would be cool to compare Ford and GM's versions of what the best car in the world should be. It's like having a 1959 Strat and saying, "I don't need a 1959 Les Paul, I already have a guitar from '59."
Ben, My faith in you is restored. Thanks for bringing this up for a vote. This is one of 3 Cadillacs that were truly lick ass, and the other 2 include the original Cadillac V-16, and the Cadillac Sixteen Concept.
This just oozes 50's over the top styling, from the Stainless Roof, to the Dagmar Bumpers, to the razorblade sharp rear tail fins.
@LTDScott: Scott, I will take exception to this, because anything that is as rare and valuable as the Eldorado Brougham should be left near stock. But I supppose that when they become even more valuable, you can always remove the Northstar, and install it in something like, oh, and LTD.
@nj_hoon: The Brougham was hand-built and almost twice as much as the Seville and Biarritz. From your link: "Price was a formidable $13,074, for which you could very nearly buy both a Biarritz and a Seville."
In the 1950's, Havana Cuba had more Cadillacs per capita than any other city in the world.
I bet there are still a couple of these things tooling around on the island, wearing gasoline-thinned laquer paint applied with a brush and handmade replacement trim pieces, riding on a dually truck rear axle and powered by a forklift engine, but still exuding all the class and style that it did when new.
My vote is yes.
I just want to know how long before a car actually gets defeated. A big, heavy, and slow Cadillac just isn't my fantasty, and I voted no.
@Tanshanomi: I am a commie Pinko. I go with the fantasy garage unsung moto of speed and death over luxury and chrome.
Since some of the Jalops have been kicking around the idea that this isn't a concrete list, but a fluid monument to automotive greatness, I can easily vote this in.
I tend to prefer my rolling sofas a little more connected, but at the same time, this is just so bold, so American, so Cadillac - tailored perfectly for its time. Of course, I also want to see Cadillac build a car of this caliber again.
just a quick correction. the eldo brougham of 1957 was based on the 1953 orleans motorama show car. the brougham made its debut on Jan, 19, 1955 at the gm motorama at the waldorf astoria in nyc, not in los angeles.
What up, comrades?
The drink set and cigarette dispenser notwithstanding, the flash and excess uselessness just don't so it for me. I'm with elwood and Duffman, there.
Hardtop. Cadillac. Old.
No.
Make it a convertible, then just maybe. But hardtop, 4 doors, etc? Nawww... if you want big '50's excess, make mine a '59 convertible with the honkin' fins; classy, and timeless. Or better yet, a '63 Linc. with 4 doors AND convertible. Hand built motors. Ford lost $$$ on every one.
THATS class...
Communists, 29% of you. If only there were some manner of hearing we could hold...
It should also be noted that the wheels are polished, cast aluminum, and the stainless steel tumblers are magnetized so they're stay put while wafting. We don't need no stinking cup holders!
Just look at that first picture, under the changing leaves...
It's the day after Thanksgiving, 1957. You're dropping your daughter back at Vassar after the holiday. Once you're satisfied that the Dorm Mother is nosy enough to protect her from overzealous suitors and the evils of negro music, you and the little missus are off to Trader Vic's for dinner, a few stiff cocktails, a little merengue, and your favorite cigar. Then on to the Poughkeepsie Holiday Inn, where you'll finally get her out of that longline cross-your-heart bra. In the morning, you're headed down to Annapolis to watch the Army-Navy game, then back to your Manhattan ad agency on Monday to work up some ideas for that new menthol cigarette commercial.
Yep, things are going well for you.
Would the trip -- and life -- be as good with any other car?
No, I thought not.
i wasn't aware that voting and commenting here was only on the condition we agree with "Paul Y. Rocks".
if i am a commie, you are a petty dictator. which is worse?
@Tanshanomi: COTD
@elwood: JFG car's don't get declined. Show us a car, and we'll fawn all over it. Or dragon all over it. Why?
Because Jalops love cars.
(...well, except ersatz Enzos, that is.)
All of my childhood travel games played while cruising the Interstates can be reinvented as drinking games with that spiffy set of shotglasses:
"Dad, are we there yet? Look Suzie, a VW...! Take another shot...!"